Exmouth Police are warning residents about a suspicious caller who has been seen operating in the town.

The man, who has been described as white, in his mid 30s, with short brown hair and around 5ft 10in in height, was seen in Morgan Court and Dray Court.

He told tenants that he had a job working for a furniture firm based in Honiton, and was not going to be paid for another month, so needed to make some money in the meantime.

He then offered the residents calendars, dishcloths and other household items for sale at inflated prices.

When one elderly resident told the man she had no money, the man offered to take her into town to get some money out.

This made her suspicious and, when she told the man she had family coming to visit, he immediately left.

Exmouth Police are now warning people to be vigilant against this man and any other suspicious callers.

PCSO Karen Capey said: “Doors should be secured on a chain before they are opened, and residents should ask for and double-check ID.

“Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph.

“They won’t mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity, or want to rearrange the appointment.”